Covid fatigue, also known in popular media as pandemic fatigue, does not involve being physically tired. Rather, Covid fatigue is a complex group of emotions that involves any combination of the following:
- Boredom
- Loneliness
- Sadness
- Frustration
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Anger
- Resentment
It is important to realize that most of us will experience one or more of these emotions at different times throughout this challenging pandemic. This is normal and to be expected. Covid fatigue is only problematic when it leads to undesirable behaviors and actions that violate public health recommendations. For example, people who feel lonely and bored might seek out large social gatherings like large parties or crowded bars. People who feel anger and resentment at local health recommendations or restrictions might reject social distancing or mask guidelines.